Grand Portugal Highlights: Lisbon, Sintra, Alentejo, Douro Valley & Porto

Overview

Welcome to an extraordinary 10-day private journey through the timeless beauty, rich culture, and scenic landscapes of Portugal. Thoughtfully curated to provide an effortless balance of iconic landmarks and authentic local life, your personalized itinerary takes you seamlessly from Lisbon's vibrant quarters to the romantic hills of Sintra, the golden a vineyard of the Douro Valley, and the historic charm of Porto. Traveling in the refined comfort of a Mercedes-Benz vehicle with your dedicated private driver/guide, you will discover the very best of Portugal at an elegant, unhurried pace.

Highlights

• Warm meet and greet service directly at Lisbon Airport arrivals
• Scenic private orientation drive along the Tagus riverside towards your hotel
• First panoramic impressions of the city's sun-drenched hills and pastel facades
• Relaxing evening at leisure to settle in and enjoy dinner on your own
• Admire the magnificent Manueline architecture of Jeronimos Monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Enjoy a riverside stop by Belem Tower and learn about the Age of Discovery
• Taste authentic warm pasteis de nata at the legendary Pasteis de Belem bakery
• Take in sweeping skyline views across central Lisbon from Eduardo VII Park
• Visit the whimsical hilltop Pena Palace surrounded by lush forested grounds

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Lisbon & Gentle Orientation
   Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport, your private driver welcomes you for a seamless transfer to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy a gentle scenic drive through the city along the Tagus River to introduce you to Lisbon's captivating light and topography, with the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure to unwind.
2. Day 2 — Belem Landmarks & Historic Lisbon Quarters
   Spend the day exploring the architectural grandeur and historic charm of Lisbon with your private driver/guide. In the morning, admire the monumental Manueline architecture of Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower, followed by warm custard tarts at Pasteis de Belem, before spending the afternoon among the atmospheric streets and viewpoints of Alfama and Eduardo VII Park. Part of the day is spent on a private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town, weaving through the narrow lanes of Alfama and Mouraria for about an hour.
3. Day 3 — Fairytale Sintra & the Cascais Coast
   Depart Lisbon for a full-day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape of Sintra and the picturesque Atlantic coast. Discover the romantic architecture and vibrant colors of Pena Palace, explore the cobbled lanes of Sintra's historic village, take in dramatic ocean vistas at Cabo da Roca, and travel along the elegant coastal roads of Cascais and Estoril.
4. Day 4 — Evora Heritage & the Alentejo Plains
   Journey eastward across the rolling plains of the Alentejo region to the UNESCO-listed city of Evora, steeped in over two millennia of history.
5. Day 5 — Scenic Journey to the Douro via Obidos & Nazare
   Leave Lisbon behind and travel north toward the majestic Douro Valley, pausing at two of Portugal's most picturesque settlements along the way. The day is given over to the journey north, with time along the way to stretch your legs, take in the towns and countryside that break up the drive, and arrive in the Douro Valley in time to settle into your hotel.
6. Day 6 — Douro River Cruise & Traditional Quinta Wine Tasting
   Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and viticultural heritage of the world's oldest demarcated wine region. In the morning, embark on a private 1-hour boat trip on the Douro River aboard a traditional wooden vessel, followed by a scenic drive to spectacular clifftop viewpoints and an afternoon Douro wine tasting at a family-run quinta.
7. Day 7 — Lamego Heritage & Journey to Porto
   A second day in the Douro Valley, away from the river and deeper into the villages and estates of the region. The morning follows the high panoramic roads towards Sao Joao da Pesqueira and Casal de Loivos, with time in Lamego or one of the small granite villages. In the afternoon a different family quinta welcomes you for a tasting of their own wines and Ports alongside local bread, cheese and olive oil.
8. Day 8 — Best of Porto & Historic Riverside
   Spend a dedicated day discovering the rich architectural heritage and historic neighborhoods of Porto with your private driver/guide. Marvel at the thousands of blue-and-white ceramic tiles inside Sao Bento Station, view the iconic Clerigos Tower, admire the double-deck Dom Luis I Bridge, and take in the fresh ocean air where the Douro River meets the Atlantic at Foz do Douro.
9. Day 9 — Cradle of the Nation: Guimaraes & Braga
   Embark on a captivating day excursion into the lush Minho region to discover two of northern Portugal's most historic and monumental cities. In Guimaraes, wander the remarkably preserved medieval quarter celebrated as the birthplace of the Portuguese nation, before continuing to Braga to marvel at the grand neoclassical sanctuary and zigzagging stairways of Bom Jesus do Monte.
10. Day 10 — Departure from Portugal
    Conclude your unforgettable 10-day private journey through Portugal with a smooth, comfortable transfer arranged in private Mercedes-Benz transportation to Porto Airport (OPO) for your flight home, or an optional scenic return transfer to Lisbon Airport based on your flight schedule.

What is included

• Private English-speaking driver-guide
• Black Mercedes-Benz vehicle (E-Class, V-Class, or Sprinter based on group size)
• All ground transport between cities and on tour days
• Door-to-door pickups and drop-offs at hotels and airports
• Bottled water and Wi-Fi in the vehicle
• Personalized planning by Portugal Magik travel designers

Not included

• Hotel accommodation (we recommend properties on request)
• Flights to and from Portugal
• Meals and drinks (suggestions provided by your driver)
• Museum and monument entrance fees
• Travel insurance

Who this trip suits

Travellers who prefer a private, fully planned Portugal journey with a driver-guide handling every transfer.

Frequently asked questions